To survive, Kenny’s government will require vote-by-vote support from the opposition benches, because Fianna Fail has refused to join the coalition and would wield the power to pull the plug on cooperation at any time.

Such minority governments are common in some European countries but a novelty in Ireland, where Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have alternately governed for nine decades, but never shared power. “The days of majority rule in absolute terms ... are gone. We are entering into a new era in Irish politics, where the views of everyone need to be taken on board,” said Fianna Fail negotiator, Michael McGrath.

“It is going to be a very challenging scenario for everybody involved, but we have to make it work,” McGrath said.

Friday’s deal requires formal ratification in separate meetings of lawmakers expected to take place within three days, followed by a parliamentary vote to elect a new prime minister, possibly Wednesday.

Kenny failed to receive a majority of support from lawmakers in three previous parliamentary votes. Friday’s deal means that next time, Fianna Fail will decline to vote for their own party leader, Micheal Martin.

If Fianna Fail lawmakers abstain, Kenny will be certain to receive most votes cast and win reelection as premier, giving him authority to form a new Cabinet.